You are invited to attend a special evening to pay tribute to the culture, art, music and cuisine of Ukraine – and to its people’s enduring spirit despite the invasion by Russia.

This unique event on Wednesday (31 July) offers guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in Ukrainian mythology, music, art, and gastronomy.

It is free to attend – but you must register for a ticket first, which you can find out more about below. It will be held at Picturehouse Cinema in Filmworks Walk, central Ealing.

It has been organised by Ealing & Hounslow Community Voluntary Service (EHCVS) with the support of Ealing Council’s Ealing Homes for Ukraine programme, and is aimed at helping to integrate new communities and promote cultural understanding. You can find out more about the programme on the council’s website.

What will be on offer?

The evening will feature live Ukrainian music and tasty food, an exhibition of children’s drawings by Ukrainian children living in Ealing, and a screening of the animated film MAVKA, The Forest Song.

This film, produced by Animagrad studio (part of FILM.UA Group), is not just a fairy tale, but a story about resilience, the struggle for justice, and the preservation of Ukraine’s cultural heritage. The film will be shown in Ukrainian with English subtitles.

Guests will be greeted by Ukrainian music from the band Cats and Bats and delicious food prepared by Delicate Gastrobar. Both the band and the catering business are run by Ukrainians.

There will be an exhibition of art, created by Ukrainian refugee children in the borough, together with art teacher Emanuela Marcu. You can take a look at their interpretations of Ukrainian folk culture.

‘A testament to the enduring spirit of Ukraine’

Deputy Lieutenant Richard Kornicki CBE DL, the King’s representative in the borough, will give a welcome speech. This will be followed by messages from EHCVS trustee Anthony Brooks and Olga Dudnik, the Ukraine volunteering and engagement co-ordinator for EHCVS.

Olga said: “This evening is a testament to our joint work with Ealing Council to establish support networks among refugees, providing them with the necessary resources and connections to thrive. We are also delighted to be able to present Ukrainian art, music, and gastronomy to the local community to promote mutual understanding and acceptance.

“We invite all Ealing residents to join us for an evening of culture and art. This is more than just a movie screening; it is a celebration of artistic ingenuity and a testament to the enduring spirit of Ukraine.

“Encouraging interactions with local residents promotes mutual understanding and acceptance, crucial for social cohesion. Additionally, the event aims establish further support networks among refugees, providing them with the necessary resources and connections to thrive.

“These efforts collectively ensure that the refugee community can integrate successfully while maintaining its cultural identity, contributing to the overall sustainability and resilience of the community in Ealing”.

The Ealing Homes for Ukraine initiative aims to create a sustainable Ukrainian community in the borough by fostering a sense of belonging and cultural pride among refugees, essential for their long-term well-being.

Event details and tickets

• Date Wednesday 31 July
• Time 6-9:30pm
• Venue Ealing Picturehouse, Unit 8, Filmworks Walk, London W5 5FA
• Register for free tickets online